One Pan Sazon Skillet Chicken
Weeknight Skillet Sazon Chicken Tenders
When you need a fast, satisfying dinner that doesn’t compromise on flavor, these Weeknight Skillet Sazon Chicken Tenders are the perfect solution. Made with tender chicken, bold sazon seasoning, and a simple fresh tomato sauce, this dish comes together in under 15 minutes ideal for busy weeknights.
This recipe is proof that quick meals don’t have to be boring. With minimal ingredients and one skillet, you can create a protein-packed, kid-friendly dinner that feels exciting and comforting at the same time. Whether you’re cooking after a long day or need a reliable last-minute meal, these sazon chicken tenders deliver every single time and they pair wonderfully with hearty sides like Chicken and Mushroom Wild Rice Soup for a complete, satisfying dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Sazon Chicken Recipe
There are so many reasons this dish deserves a spot in your weekly dinner rotation:
- Ready in under 15 minutes
- Made in one skillet for easy cleanup
- Packed with bold, Latin-inspired flavors
- High in protein and naturally gluten-free
- Easy to customize for kids or adults
The combination of juicy chicken and light tomato sauce makes this dish feel hearty without being heavy.
What Is Sazon Seasoning?
Sazon is a popular Latin seasoning blend known for its warm, savory flavor. It usually contains garlic powder, cumin, coriander, oregano, and paprika (sometimes with annatto for color).
In this recipe, sazon seasoning gives the chicken a deep, well-rounded flavor without needing a long list of spices. It’s a pantry shortcut that instantly upgrades simple chicken into something special.
One Pan Sazon Skillet Chicken
Notes
- 8 (1.25 lbs) chicken tenders
- 1 1/2 tsp dry sazon seasoning (or homemade sazon)
- Kosher salt, to taste
- 2 tsp olive oil, divided
- 1/2 cup diced scallions
- 3 cloves garlic, crushed
- 1 medium tomato, diced
- 1/3 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth (make sure it’s Whole 30 compliant and gluten-free if needed)
- Season the chicken tenders with sazon seasoning and salt.
- Heat 1 tsp of olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken tenders and cook for 4 minutes. Flip and cook for another 3–4 minutes until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tsp of olive oil. Add the diced scallions and cook over medium heat for 2–3 minutes until softened.
- Add the crushed garlic and cook for 1 more minute. Then, stir in the diced tomato, season with salt, and cook for 3–4 minutes until the tomato softens and the mixture thickens.
- Pour in the chicken broth, stir to combine, and return the chicken tenders to the skillet. Cover and simmer for 1–2 minutes to heat the chicken through and thicken the sauce.
- Serve the chicken tenders with the tomato sauce, and enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use other chicken cuts for this recipe?
Yes! Chicken breasts, thighs, or even pre-cooked rotisserie chicken work well. Just adjust the cooking time according to the cut you’re using.
2. What if I don’t have sazon seasoning?
You can easily substitute it with a mix of garlic powder, cumin, and paprika. This combination gives a similar Latin-inspired flavor without the exact seasoning.
3. Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can season the chicken up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the fridge. When ready, just cook it quickly in the skillet.
4. How can I make the recipe more kid-friendly?
For younger kids, reduce the seasoning slightly or omit the garlic and tomatoes. Serving with rice, steamed veggies, or tortillas makes it more appealing for all ages.
5. Can I save time with the tomato sauce?
Yes! You can use store-bought tomato sauce instead of fresh tomatoes and scallions. Add a pinch of sazon seasoning to mimic the fresh sauce flavor.
Conclusion
Weeknight Skillet Sazon Chicken Tenders are the ultimate quick and flavorful dinner solution. With tender, juicy chicken, bold Latin-inspired sazon seasoning, and a light, fresh tomato sauce, this dish comes together in just 15 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, family meals, or last-minute dinners, it’s both satisfying and easy to make.
Pair it with a hearty side like Chicken and Mushroom Wild Rice Soup or your favorite vegetables, and you have a balanced, delicious meal that the whole family will love. This recipe proves that fast dinners can be exciting, healthy, and full of flavor making it a go-to in your weeknight rotation.
